Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Dodgers finally completed their search for a fourth starter, re-signing Vicente Padilla to a one-year, $5.025 million contract after the veteran right-hander became a key member of their starting rotation down the stretch last season.

The Dodgers signed Padilla on Aug. 19, shortly after the Texas Rangers released him. Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in eight appearances, seven of them starts. [...]

Padilla will receive a $4.025 million base salary in 2010 and a $1 million signing bonus payable in 2011.

Well, it sure as heck isn't Joel Pineiro (bagged by the Angels for two years, $16M). I thought Ned was in for someone bigger, given the chasm left by Randy Wolf. But at least it isn't Braden Looper, I suppose. I'll take it--especially since we've got one more big hole to fill.

Welcome back, Vicente!

I have been waiting for months to use that headline. For that alone, I'm excited for the signing!

The article sited (cited?) says that Stultz, Elbert, Haeger, Monasterios and Ortiz (NO!!!) are vying for the 5th spot. Have they given up on James McDonald? I really like the nickname J-Mac, so I'd like to see the kid do well so I can keep using it.

Well, if J-Mac can just lay off the athletic tape (5th paragraph), he might still have a shot. In a Torre rotation, everyone gets a shot at being #5. Unfortunately, the order in which each pitcher gets is shot is inverse to his ability.

VPad was the best option this late in the offseason - a comfortable fit for a year at that price. I'm fine with the choice. BUT, is he really the veteran presence the young arms need? Is there money left to add Smoltz? HE is a veteran to influence Bills and Kershaw and would fit great in the role that Jeff Weaver held last season (assuming he'd be willing).

Speaking of Jeff Weaver, wouldn't Jeff Weaver be a good fit for the role that Jeff Weaver played last season? (Did I miss his signing with anyone else yet?) I thought he was an unheralded life saver last season who got far too little respect. Dream Weaver got us out of numerous jams created by our kiddie corps pitchers when they were having a bad outing, was spot starter when needed, and all around cool daddy-o.